Should I rethink my choice? (Lexington, Louisville: salary, tax, living)

[Redrover]

My husband and I are about 1.5 yrs out from "retirement." I put it in quotes because actually he will not completely retire but will downsize to a 60% work week/salary and will work from home. We are so ready to leave Houston and get away from the horrible traffic and the climate. I have lived in Houston for so many years and it has only been fairly recently that I have begun to worry about the possibilities of hurricanes (can you say Katrina/Rita?) and I just don't want to spend my later years in constant anxiety. That said, we have been focusing our interest in the Raleigh area but I am not sure that we would be any "safer" there than here on the Gulf Coast. Another NC issue for that area is that they seem to have recurring droughts and I don't know if I can deal with that forever. So here I am expanding my horizons and wondering if Kentucky would be a better option. Can anyone compare the climate of Raleigh and Lexington in general terms and what has been the historical occurance of hurricanes in this area? Can anyone compare the tax situation and general cost of living between the two areas? We have made numerous trips to the Raleigh area and have thought it nearly perfect for our needs but now have begun to wonder. Oh, and one other thing, does Lexington have a decent sized airport or only one for commuter planes? Can you help?

[bluegrassgirl]

"Oh, and one other thing, does Lexington have a decent sized airport or only one for commuter planes?"

Lexington has an airport. I'm not sure what you consider "decent", but it meets the needs of the community. Many people will choose to drive to Cincy or Louisville though for cheaper rates. I, myself, have never found the rates of those larger airports to be worth driving an hour. You will find a variety of sizes of planes that fly from Bluegrass Airport.

Here's the link for the airport. I think it's ok to post here?

Blue Grass Airport - Lexington KY :: (LEX) Kentucky Airline Flight

Unfortunately, I know nothing about Raleigh, so unable to help compare for you. Sorry!

[goldenmom7500]

Hi,

Over the summer, I found some very helpful national maps. However, I can't seem to find them today. Here is something that might be a little bit helpful. Money magazine has summarized a few weather-climate statistics. Here is Lexington:

MONEY Magazine: Best places to live 2006: Lexington, KY snapshot

and here is "Cary":

MONEY Magazine: Best places to live 2006: Cary, NC snapshot

They have very similar annual precipitation rates, as well as highs and lows. Cary has a few more clear days each year (both have relatively high annual precipitation rates, although Lexington is in a drought).

I'll be on the lookout for some statistics on extreme weather events.